Premises and Fire Safety for Childcare Settings

Your childcare premises must meet strict safety and space requirements under the EYFS statutory framework. Fire safety is governed separately by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to all non-domestic premises where people are employed or where the public has access.

For childminders operating from their own home, the Fire Safety Order generally does not apply - it excludes private dwellings. Your fire safety duties come instead from the EYFS framework: working smoke alarms, an emergency evacuation plan, and regular fire evacuation practice with the children you mind.

EYFS space requirements

Your premises must provide minimum space per child:

Fire safety

As the responsible person, you must ensure fire safety in your childcare premises:

Risk assessments

Regular risk assessment is a fundamental EYFS requirement for all childcare settings:

Planning permission

If you are setting up a new nursery or converting premises for childcare use, you may need planning permission: